New research suggests that walnuts may slow down the growth of colon cancer, the third most common cancer diagnosed in both men and women, The Times Of India reported.

American researchers found that a diet that contains walnuts may slow colorectal tumor growth by causing beneficial changes in cancer genes.

"Our research demonstrates that a walnut diet causes significant changes in the expression profile of miRNAs in localized colorectal cancer tissue, and that a walnut diet incorporates protective fatty acids in the colonic tumor either through its direct effects or through additive or synergistic effects of multiple other compounds present in walnuts," Dr. Christos Mantzoros said in a statement. "While future studies are needed, we're optimistic of the role of miRNAs as biomarkers of disease and prognosis, and may demonstrate a potential therapeutic target for colorectal cancer treatment."

For the study, researchers evaluated whether conducted an experiment with two groups of mice. One group was fed the equivalent of two servings (2 ounces) per day of walnuts for humans, while the second group received a similar control diet with no walnuts.

After 25 days, researchers found that in walnut-fed mice, key miRNA that may affect cancer cell inflammation, vascularization (blood supply) and proliferation were positively engaged.

They found that the tumors of mice fed the walnut-containing diet had 10 times the amount of total omega-3 fatty acids, including plant-based alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), in the tissue compared to the mice fed the control diet.

Researchers saw that "a smaller tumor size was associated with greater percentage of omega-3s in tumor tissues, suggesting that ALA may provide a protective benefit," IBC News Bureau reported.

The findings are detailed in the Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry.